Ruth Ann Brenly a national finalist for member of the year

Kevin Lynch, Wooster Daily Record
·3 min read

MECHANIC TOWNSHIP − Friends, family and fellow classmates came out to share in the warmth of the celebration recognizing Ruth Ann Brenly as a national finalist for Silver Sneakers Member of the Year.

Brenly, who turned 97 on Sept. 6, attends Silver Sneakers classes three mornings a week at Cheryl Seabright's L.I.F.E. Fitness on state Route 83 just north of Clark. Brenly became the fifth local Silver Sneakers member to be recognized nationally, joining Pat Martin, Owen Mellor, Betty McNutt and Mary Bridenthal, who have earned Top 10 recognition from Silver Sneakers over the past three years.

Seabright, who earlier in the year received an award as Silver Sneakers Instructor of the Year, knows what it takes to persevere, as she pushes through in her battle against cancer.

"It's because of Cheryl that we're all here," said Silver Sneakers member Jan Fry.

Cheryl Seabright, owner of Cheryl's L.I.F.E. Fitness in Mechanic Township talks about the qualities that make Ruth Ann Brenly such a special member of Silver Sneakers.
Cheryl Seabright, owner of Cheryl's L.I.F.E. Fitness in Mechanic Township talks about the qualities that make Ruth Ann Brenly such a special member of Silver Sneakers.

An inspiration to everyone

But Seabright pointed out Friday's celebration was not about her; it was about Ruth Ann Brenly.

Aside from working out three days a week with Silver Sneakers, Brenly also walks two miles a day on the path that bears her name around the Clark Community Center near her home.

"What an inspiration she is to everyone," said Betsy 'Moose' Miller. "Some mornings you get up and think you don't want to do this. But if Ruth Ann has the gumption to get here, I can do it to. I love you. I'm so glad you're here every day. You're amazing."

"Ruth Ann is truly one-of-a-kind," Seabright said. "She's always asking what she can do to help; she always wants to participate. She's amazing. Even though she's only 97, she is part of a rare group of aging, active, positive people."

Ruth Ann Brenly visits with friends and fellow Silver Sneakers members Lonnie and Garnet Rogers during the Silver Sneakers Member of the Year ceremony held at Cheryl's L.I.F.E. Fitness in Mechanic Township.
Ruth Ann Brenly visits with friends and fellow Silver Sneakers members Lonnie and Garnet Rogers during the Silver Sneakers Member of the Year ceremony held at Cheryl's L.I.F.E. Fitness in Mechanic Township.

An inspiration to all

Seabright noted that rain or shine, cold or hot, Ruth Ann is out there every day walking on the path around the Clark Community Center.

"I just like to get out of the house. It keeps me going," Brenly said. "You've got to get out and go. You just can't sit down. You've got to keep moving. Life is too precious not to keep moving."

Brenly added that she is proud people find her inspirational.

Ruth Ann Brenly's daughter Patty Kalis came in from Michigan to share in her mother's celebration as a national finalist for Silver Sneakers Member of the Year.
Ruth Ann Brenly's daughter Patty Kalis came in from Michigan to share in her mother's celebration as a national finalist for Silver Sneakers Member of the Year.

Positive attitude keeps her going

"I think a big part of it is, she has a positive attitude, and very good drive and determination to stay healthy," Seabright said. "Her genes are super. Her mother lived to be over 100. Her will to just keep going is amazing.

"She made a commitment to Carl (her late husband who died 14 years ago) that she would maintain good, positive health and remain active. She's done that all along," Seabright continued. "She's just one of those people who is like everyone's grandma...that you just fall in love with."

Seabright added that Brenly seems to believe she's 50, but physically she's 97. She still gets around, drives herself to town for groceries and lunch with friends.

David Quave, a representative of Tivity Health, the owners of Silver Sneakers, came in from Tennessee to take p[art in the celebration.

"Silver Sneakers is an organization that has been around for 18 years," he said. "It celebrates those folks who achieve better health and fitness through exercise, social connections and just plain old having fun. Today we celebrate Ruth Ann, and her commitment to that program. This is why I work for Silver Sneakers. This is what it's all about."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Ruth Ann Brenly a national finalist for member of the year